I didn't choose this business. It chose me. I learned that our property at 10th and Tijeras NW was scheduled to be down-zoned from the most valuable residential zoning to the least valuable at the June City Council meeting. The only way I could save a scrap of that value would be to open a business there before June. I didn't know what business I wanted. I knew I would reject anything that required plumbing, extensive remodeling or 40 hours per week of work—or 30, or 20, or 19. Fourteen might work. And it had to be fun. Since I had planned a free "frequent flyer" trip to India in less than a week, dawdling was out of the question. I obtained a state license. The permit, too, was a snap—until someone asked me what kind of business I wanted. Without a thought I blurted out "International Boutique.” I blurt a lot. Though I expected my merchandise to be a bit whimsical, the date on my City Permit was purely unplanned parenthood—April 1. I have personally chosen one-of-a-kind art, antiques and oddities from six continents.

What is inimitable about this

business?

What is inimitable about this business? If you are hoping for an invitation to the president's inaugural ball or the governor's, the mayor's, the City Council's, or the marriage of a maharaja and marahani, you need something unique to strut your stuff in. I have it. Don't you need a sequined, beaded sari—with a matching custom tailored blouse for free? We can also turn a sari into two dresses—maybe mother and daughter outfits—with possibly a matching tie for your husband. Or how about a Moroccan caftan, a hand beaded garment from Petra, an antique maharani's beaded dress embellished with Pakistani coins that may weigh more than you do? Or maybe a three-piece Punjabi outfit, a beaded skirt from Guatemala or a vintage velvet evening gown? I have tables made of Taj Mahal marble inset with semi-precious stones from Agra and wood carvings from Zimbabwe. Don't you really need paintings on silk, silk scarves and shawls from Kashmir, and a silver sitta? Hand crocheted copper and silver jewelry by Bethany comes from Albuquerque. Can I show you mystic topaz jewelry hand wrought of sterling? Have you seen an "unborn" pearl pendant? Bed down in bedspreads ranging from a quilted peacock design to hand embroidered mirror work. I have an antique spinning wheel and fostoria crystal.

So, why are you closing so abruptly?

For the same reason I haven't visited Antarctica. I have frittered away my frequent flyer miles watching a cobra fight a mongoose, ridden an elephant by the river Kwai and gone under Iguazu falls on a raft, but I don't want to be pursued by a polar bearrrrrr. Keep me posted on plans to reopen when the weather is fair. My shop is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. only. I take credit cards and will put things on layaway. HURRY! January 19th is our last day!